Natural Polymers as Components of Blends for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONThe biomedical sector requests more and more complex structures in attempts to fulfill the requirements of a multitude of different applications. For this reason, polymer scientists exploit existing compounds and also design new compounds with properties that can be considered as new materials for biomedical applications [1,2]. The applications of polymers are essential in surgery, for prosthetic systems, and in pharmacology, for drug formulation and controlled drug delivery. Polymeric biomaterials are usually used under complex, demanding conditions, and must fulfill stringent requirements relating to their chemical, biological, and physicomechanical properties. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new polymeric biomaterials that can satisfy the demanding performance requirements and standards required for these applications [3]. The development of innovative polymeric biomaterials can be an engine of innovation for new medical treatments and therapies. The existing knowledge clearly shows that the careful optimization of the chemical structure of polymers used in medical implants can result in better clinical outcomes for the implant recipients. Biodegradable polymers play a significant role in the preparation of polymeric materials for biomedical applications. They are preferred candidates for developing therapeutic devices such as temporary prostheses, three-dimensional porous structures as scaffolds for tissue engineering, and as controlled/sustained release drug delivery vehicles [4].At the end of the twentieth century, a new trend in the development of polymeric materials was observed [5]. Many scientific laboratories started to work with polymer blends as potential new materials for medicine (biomaterials), the food industry (biodegradable and photodegradable food packaging materials), and for the electronic industry (conducting polymers). Especially, new materials for biomedical applications based on the blends of two polymers were studied. Cell-based transplantation, CONTENTS

Influence of natural and synthetic crosslinking reagents on the structural and mechanical properties of chitosan-based hybrid hydrogels

“…15 Natural hydrogels such as collagen, gelatin, alginate, agarose and chitosan (CS) are very attractive and are commonly used for biological applications. These hydrogels take advantage of their excellent biocompatibility properties (Sionkowska (2013)); however, natural hydrogels do not meet the load requirements for specific applications due to their poor mechanical proper-20 ties. Furthermore, their mechanical properties have to be tuned.…”

Biopolymeric nanocomposites for potential biomedical applications

“…Collagen can be used in the form of thin films as well as in three‐dimensional form. So far many methods have been developed to prepare porous three‐dimensional scaffolds for tissue engineering, including freeze drying, gas‐forming foam, three‐dimensional printing, thermally induced phase separation, electrospinning, laser treatment and precipitation of crystals . Collagen three‐dimensional sponges can be obtained by a lyophilization process (freeze drying technique).…”

“…In the biomedical field synthetic polymers are widely used; however, they do not always meet the requirements. Natural polymers are especially required due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability . Natural polymers such as collagen, chitosan, elastin, keratin and silk fibroin can be obtained from nature and, for such production, the waste from food production is often used.…”

“…Natural polymers can be extracted from food production waste and then purified. After chemical and/or physical modification natural polymers can be used for the preparation of thin films, sponges and scaffolds for potential biomedical applications . Several natural polymers can form a matrix for the incorporation of inorganic particles.…”

“…A new method of preparation of polymeric materials for biomedical applications is the blending of two or more polymers. During the last three decades an increasing interest in new materials based on the blends of two or more polymers can be observed . Several laboratories have also been working on the development of new materials based on the blends of two or more polymers and inorganic nanoparticles.…”